Orthodox leader backs Kiev’s push for new church to uproot centuries of Russian religious authority

PTYCHA, Ukraine—One morning this summer outside the village church here, an Orthodox priest led a prayer for soldiers battling a Russian takeover in Ukraine’s east. Minutes later, a column of Orthodox believers from a rival, Moscow-affiliated church marched straight through the middle of his flock.

“Occupiers will be occupiers,” said the priest, Father Ihor, after they passed.